Pittsburgh Riverhounds News Release -- www.riverhounds.com
Friday, March 14, 2014
PITTSBURGH -- The Pittsburgh Riverhounds have re-signed six players who will be key to the success of the team’s 2014 USL PRO season and its quest for a championship title, and added a pair of new faces to the squad. The returning veterans are Mike Seth, Rob Vincent, Mike Green, Greg Blum, Seth C’deBaca, and Sterling Flunder, while former Phoenix FC midfielder Anthony Obodai and Orlando City defender Brian Fekete join the squad for the new season.
“These six re-signings show our commitment to building a core of younger players that have grown and will continue to grow with our organization as we move toward our ultimate goals,” said Head Coach Justin Evans.
Veteran forward Mike Seth returns for his fifth season with the Hounds. Seth played in 22 of 26 games last season, tallying three goals and one assist and earning him a spot on the USL PRO “Team of the Week” for Week 18 and an honorable mention during Week 3.
Evans had praise for Seth’s professional drive: “Mike’s work ethic and willingness to get better every day has culminated in another contract extension for him.”
Midfielder Rob Vincent returns to the Hounds after an impressive rookie year in 2013. Vincent tallied three goals and one assist and earned recognition throughout the league with a spot on the USL PRO “Team of the Week” for Week 21, as well as honorable mentions to the Week 14 and 20 Teams.
“Robbie Vincent has had the most impressive off-season body of work that I have seen in a very long time,” Evans said. “I am excited to see how this work will translate onto the playing field throughout the season.”
Mike Green returns for his third season with the Club. Green is a versatile player and can see time anywhere across the back line or step up into the midfield. Green played in 21 games in 2013 and was named to the USL PRO “Team of the Week” for Week 20.
Goalkeeper Greg Blum showcased his potential last season by recording 20 saves in five games and earning an honorable mention on the USL PRO “Team of the Week” for Week 20, after a spectacular performance in net on a road trip in Florida.
Midfielder Seth C’deBaca returns for his third season with the Hounds after playing in 18 games last season and earning an honorable mention on the USL PRO “Team of the Week” for Week 3. C’deBaca is one of many talented midfielders who will battle for a position on this year’s starting lineup.
Sterling Flunder, now entering his fifth season with the Hounds has agreed to a two-year contract extension. In 2013, Flunder played in 23 games and was an integral part of the Riverhounds defense.
Obodai, a 31-year-old native of Accra, Ghana spent the 2013 season in Phoenix, where he made 24 appearances for the Wolves. The former Ghanaian international, who earned four senior caps for Ghana between 2003 and 2005, made a strong impression in his first season in USL PRO.
“Anthony is a world-class player who has played alongside the likes of Zlatan Ibrahimovic. To have a player from Ajax suiting up in a Riverhounds kit is a true honor for our Club and a sign of our direction,” said Riverhounds CEO Jason Kutney.
Obodai signed with Dutch powerhouse Ajax of Amsterdam in 2001, playing on loan at Belgian side Germinal Beerschot during the 2002–03 season. Obodai moved to Sparta Rotterdam from 2005-2007, and also made four appearances for the Houston Dynamo of MLS in 2010.
Kutney believes that Obodai will bring a physical element to the Riverhounds middle-third. “He’s a tenacious ball-winner who controls the flow of a game. I watched him play in 2013 and became an instant fan.”
Fekete, a 23-year-old three-time All-American while at the University of Tampa, spent last season with Orlando City where he made seven appearances.
“He did really well on trial for us down in Houston, so we decided to bring him up to Pittsburgh and sign him,” said Evans. “He’s a solid defender, and an athletic player who loves to get forward. He’s a player that’s very capable of helping us at the left back position.”
Fekete began his professional career with the PDL’s IMG Bradenton Academy in 2010, continuing on through the PDL with GPS Portland Phoenix. He was an All-Eastern Conference selection in 2011 after totaling 1,213 minutes played with the Phoenix.
The Riverhounds’ 2014 season officially begins on March 29 in Florida, against defending USL PRO champions Orlando City. The Hounds’ home opener at Highmark Stadium is set for April 12 against the Wilmington Hammerheads. For tickets and stadium information, go to Riverhounds.com.